New voyages in search of treasure: China Ocean Shipping Company (COSCO) in Europe

Research output: Chapter in Book/Report/Conference proceedingChapter

Abstract

The rapid growth of Chinese investment in Europe has given rise to debates on the power of emerging capitalist firms over employment rights, workplace safety and workers’ welfare in the host societies (Drahokoupil et al. 2016). The aim of this chapter is to examine what contributes to the employment practices adopted by Chinese state-owned enterprises in Europe, using the case of China COSCO Shipping Corporate Limited (COSCO)’s investment projects at the Greek port of Piraeus. Choosing COSCO allows us to focus on a powerful state controlled firm, which is actively engaged in expanding its international networks and facilitating the state-sponsored internationalisation of Chinese firms. This means that both the economic and political pressure faced by this emerging player will have substantial influence over their choice of employment policies for their global workforce.
Original languageEnglish
Title of host publicationChinese investment in Europe
Subtitle of host publicationcorporate strategies and labour relations
Place of PublicationBrussels
PublisherThe European Trade Union Institute
Pages231-250
Number of pages29
ISBN (Electronic)978-2-87452-455-4
ISBN (Print)978-2-87452-454-7
Publication statusPublished - 1 Sept 2017

Keywords

  • Chinese investment
  • Employment in Chinese multinational firms
  • Belt and Road

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